ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Power
NTPC joins the “Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” Celebration with Assam Rifles, supports and honours the cyclists on their onward journey to Delhi
NTPC today joined with Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force of the Indian Army, in their 3000 kms long ‘Freedom Cycling Rally’ as part of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations which started from Shillong to New Delhi from 5th Sep 2021. The Rally commemorates 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture, achievements and also promotes the “Fit India Movement”.
NTPC Bongaigaon contingent of more than 20 cyclists headed by Shri Subrata Mandal, ED, NTPC Bongaigaon saw participation of employees from various departments Of the power station who rode more than 18 kms with the Assam Rifles Team. The cyclists carried the flags of NTPC and “Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav ‘’ from NH-27 starting from Kashikotra to Kharegaon where the cyclists were felicitated by the senior management of the station.
At the National Highway interjecting Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon, Shri Subrata Mandal, ED, NTPC Bongaigaon, Shri Umesh Singh, GM , Shri H.K. Brahma, Commandant, CISF and senior officials felicitated the jawans headed by Colonel Ajit Khatri and his team of 40 cyclists enroute to Delhi for the noble cause.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Delhi’s overall AQI expected to remain in ‘Poor’ category, Stage I of Graded Response Action Plan  remains enforced
In view of the air quality forecasts made available by IITM/ IMD, the Sub-Committee for invoking actions under the Graded Response Action Plan  of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas  met today to review the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR.
Till yesterday, Delhi’s overall AQI was predicted to spike. Today, Delhi’s average AQI clocked 265 as per the 4PM AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board . Moreover, the AQI is expected to continue in ‘Poor’ category in the coming days, as per the air quality forecast data shared by IITM/IMD.
Considering this, the Sub-Committee for invoking actions under the Graded Response Action Plan , after reviewing the overall air quality scenario and relevant aspects has decided that the ongoing actions implemented under Stage I of GRAP shall continue and invocation of Stage II of GRAP is not required at this stage.
Further, the Sub-Committee is keeping a close watch on the situation and will review the air quality scenario accordingly on a regular basis.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addresses Foundation Day celebrations of ILS, Bhubaneswar;
Calls for greater contribution to lifeand livelihood in Odisha
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel, along with Minister of Health and Family Welfare &Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan today delivered a special address on the occasion of the 32nd Foundation Day celebrations of the Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar. Congratulating ILS, Bhubaneswar for the significant milestone in the glorious journey of the Institute, Shri Pradhan said that their dedication and efforts will continue to meet the expectations and benefit society.
Shri Pradhan said that Odisha’s coastline has been in focus for Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a blue economy. He requested Dr Harsh Vardhan that a Centre of Excellence on Marine Biotechnology at ILS be set up which will help unlock the true potential of a marine-led sustainable economic growth in Odisha.
Shri Pradhan expressed satisfactionat ILS working to create a visible impact on lives and livelihoods of the people of Odisha. He particularly appreciated ILS’s workin the aspirational district of Nabrangpur in Odisha. He also expressed happiness at ILS expanding its activities to other parts of eastern and north-eastern India. “Hon. PM Modi is very clear that unless the eastern part of India comes on equal footing compared to other parts of the country, the country’s prosperity cannot be achieved”, he further added.
Shri Pradhancomplimented Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan for effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic under the leadership of Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He also complimented ILS for playing a crucial role in the fight against the pandemic.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
47.02 Cr. Vaccine Doses administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
3,08,20,521 total recoveries across the country so far
Recovery Rate currently at 97.36%
39,258 patients recovered during last 24 hours
India reports 41,831 new cases in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently 4,10,952
Active cases constitute 1.30% of total cases
Weekly Positivity Rate remains below 5%, currently at 2.42%
Daily positivity rate at 2.34%, remains below 5%
Testing capacity substantially ramped up – 46.82 cr tests total conducted
Ministry of Finance
Apprehensions about the negative effects of certain tax demands on the Software Industry are without basis
It was reported in certain sections of the Press that tax officials had raised tax demand in respect of export of IT/IT enabled services provided to clients abroad and that this had been done on the basis of place of supply rules in respect of these services which were apparently provided in India and therefore were liable to be taxed.
In a subsequent development, the Commissioner  set aside the Orders of the lower adjudicating authority where refund was disallowed and has also upheld the orders where refund had been granted. Thus, the apprehensions expressed in those sections of the Press about the negative effects on the software industry are without basis.
Special Service and Features
Walk-in Admission 2022
Thiruvananthapuram, 23 November 2022
ER&DCI Institute of Technology, the academic wing of CDAC Thiruvananthapuram, the premier Research and Development organization of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology , Government of India invites application for Walk-in admission to the vacant seats of the following industry specific post graduate degree programmes in engineering for the year 2022.
• M.Tech in Cyber Forensics and Information Security
• M.Tech in VLSI and Embedded Systems
1 SC/ST seat vacancy is also available in M.Tech in Cyber Forensics and Information Security
For more details visit the website: erdciit.ac.in or Contact: 8547897106, 9446103993 or 81388997025. 0471-2723333 Extn: 250, 295
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Cabinet Secretary chairs high level review meeting on COVID19
Citizens are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Singapore
Cabinet Secretary chaired a high level meeting to review the status, actions taken and preparedness of States/UTs regarding management of Novel Coronavirus , here today. Secretaries of Health and Family Welfare, Civil Aviation, Defence, Information & Broadcasting, DG AFMS and representatives from External Affairs, Home Affairs, Bureau of Immigration, ITBP and Army were also present.
After a detailed review, in addition to the universal screening as per earlier advisories, universal screening at airports is now being planned for flights from Kathmandu, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.
Also, in furtherance to the travel advisory issued earlier, citizens are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Singapore.
As on date, 21,805 passengers have been brought under community surveillance. In addition, 3,97,152 flight passengers and 9,695 travellers at sea ports have been screened.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Portugal on cooperation in the field of IT&E
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Portugal on cooperation in the field of IT&E. The MoU was signed on January 6, 2017 in New Delhi.
The MoU will help in developing a long term and sustainable cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual interest in the areas of IT&E in line with each country's laws and regulations.
Ministry of Finance
CBDT issues clarification regarding carry forward of losses in case of change in shareholding due to strategic disinvestment
Finance Act, 2021 has amended section 72A of the Income-tax Act, 1961  to inter alia provide that in case of an amalgamation of a public sector company  which ceases to be a PSU , as part of strategic disinvestment, with one or more company or companies, then, subject to the conditions laid therein, the accumulated loss and the unabsorbed depreciation of the amalgamating company shall be deemed to be the loss, or as the case may be, allowance for unabsorbed depreciation of the amalgamated company for the previous year in which the amalgamation was effected.
In order to facilitate the strategic disinvestment, it has been decided that Section 79 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, shall not apply to an erstwhile public sector company which has become so as a result of strategic disinvestment. Accordingly, loss incurred in any previous year prior to, and including, the previous year of strategic disinvestment shall be carried forward and set off by the erstwhile public sector company. The above relaxation shall cease to apply from the previous year in which the company, that was the ultimate holding company of such erstwhile public sector company immediately after completion of the strategic disinvestment, ceases to hold, directly or through its subsidiary or subsidiaries, fifty-one per cent of the voting power of the erstwhile public sector company.
The term “erstwhile public sector company” and “strategic disinvestment” shall have the meaning in Explanation to clause  of sub-section  of Section 72A of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Necessary legislative amendments for the above decision shall be proposed in due course of time.
Vice President's Secretariat
CURTAIN RAISER
Former President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee to release a compilation of the Vice President’s speeches on February 15
Several eminent personalities to grace the occasion
The former President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will release a compilation of speeches of the Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, “Selected Speeches: Volume-1” at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi at 5 PM on February 15.
The book comprises selected speeches delivered by Shri Venkaiah Naidu at more than 400 meetings since his assumption of office on August 11, 2017. They provide an insight into his vision and perspective on a wide range of issues confronting the nation. During his interactions, the Vice President has been focusing on agriculture, youth and education, science and technology and culture.
The book contains 92 speeches and is categorized into six broad sections - ‘Functioning of Legislatures’, ‘Nation and Nationalism’, ‘Polity and Governance’, ‘Economic Development’, ‘Media’ and ‘India and the World’.
The Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Information & Broadcasting , Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh and other dignitaries will be present on the occasion.
The Publications Division of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has brought out the book.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID Vaccine Allocation
Nearly 12 Crore Doses will be available for National COVID Vaccination for month of June 2021
7,94,05,200 doses were available for National COVID Vaccination Programme in May 2021
Advance visibility of Vaccines for the entire month of June 2021 provided to States/UTs by Union Health Ministry
Vaccination is an integral pillar of the comprehensive strategy of Government of India for containment and management of the pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and COVID Appropriate Behaviour.As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. The 'Liberalized Pricing and Accelerated National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy' is being implemented from 1st May 2021 wherein 50% of the available doses are earmarked for supply to States/UTs, as free of cost supply from Govt of India channel, while the remaining 50% is available for direct procurement from the vaccine manufacturers by States/UTs and private hospitals.
The allocation of Govt. of India supplies to States/UTs is decided on the consumption pattern, population and vaccine wastage. Visibility for availability of vaccines for the entire month of June 2021 has been provided well in advance to States/UTs by Union Government as communicated to States and UTs vide letters of Union Health Ministry dated 17th May 2021, 27th May 2021 and 29th May 2021.
For the month ofJune 2021, 6.09 crore doses of COVID vaccines will be supplied to the States and UTs for vaccination of priority group of Health Care Workers , Front-Line Workers  and person aged 45 years + and above as free supply from Government of India. In addition, more than 5.86 crore  doses will be available for direct procurement by the state/UTs and Private Hospitals.Therefore, in June 2021 close to 12 crore  doses will be available for the national COVID vaccination programme.
The delivery schedule for this allocation will be shared in advance. States have been requested to direct the concerned officials to ensure rational and judicious utilization of allocated doses and minimize the vaccine wastage.
The basic objective behind informing the States/UTs in advance of the quantum of free vaccine doses to be made available from Govt of India for 15/30 days and the total vaccine doses which are available for direct procurement by States/UTs,is to ensurebetter planning and delivery of vaccine by States/UTs.
For the month of May, 2021, a total quantum of more than 4.03 crore  vaccine doses has been made available by the Union Government to States, free of cost.In addition, a total quantum of more than 3.90 crore  doses was also available for direct procurement by the States as well as private hospitals in the month of May 2021.Therefore, in May 2021 a total number of 7,94,05,200 doses were available for national COVID vaccination programme.
NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog, in a joint effort with IFPRI, IIPS, UNICEF and IEG launch ‘The State Nutrition Profiles” for 19 States and Union Territories
NITI Aayog, in a joint effort with International Food Policy Research Institute , Indian Institute of Population Sciences , UNICEF and Institute of Economic Growth  launched ‘The State Nutrition Profiles” for 19 States and Union Territories on 30th September, 2021. The State nutrition profiles were released by Dr. Rakesh Sarwal, Additional Secretary, NITI Aayog in a webinar titled “Towards progress on nutrition in India: Insights from National Family Health Survey ” organized by IFPRI.
The ‘State Nutrition Profiles’  give insights on nutrition outcomes, immediate and underlying determinants and interventions based on NFHS-rounds 3, 4 and 5. The SNPs include a comprehensive compilation of crucial data that can positively affect policy decisions and facilitate research in the area. The trend analysis of key indicators such as wasting, stunting, anemia, underweight and overweight and NCDs  showcase the variability of performance across districts. The reports highlight the best and worst performing districts, highest burden districts and top coverage districts of the country. The SNPs are based on the headcount-based analyses and use of data from NFHS-5 to provide evidence that helps identify priority districts and number of districts in the state with public health concern as per WHO guidelines. Each SNP has incorporated key takeaways for children, women and men and identifies areas where the state has the potential to improve further.
Presentations on NFHS-5 analysis of health and nutrition outcomes and determinants were made by eminent speakers  from partner organizations. The webinar was attended by over 200 participants from various organizations. The SNPs are available on: http://poshan.ifpri.info/category/publications/data-notes/
Ministry of Defence
YAI Senior Nationals 2021  Scheduled In Mumbai from 1st to 6th September
Mumbai, 26 August 2021
The Indian Navy – Mazagon Docks Limited  Cup 2021 is being conducted by the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre , Mumbai under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India  for all Senior Olympic classes as the YAI Senior National 2021. The regatta will be a ranking event and conducted from 01- 06 Sep 21. It will also be used for selection trials for the forthcoming Asian Games 2022 scheduled to be held in China. The races would be conducted between Sunk Rock Lighthouse and Prongs Lighthouse in Mumbai harbour.
Rear Admiral Atul Anand, Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area  would inaugurate the regatta on 01 Sep 21. A Sail Parade of 75 sailing boats would also be conducted from Oyster Rock to Middle Ground off Gateway of India to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence  on the inaugural day.
The event would witness participation from over 13 premium sailing clubs from across India including INWTC, INWTC, INWTC, INWTC, Army Yachting Node , Electronics and Mechanical Engineering Sailing Association  Bhopal, Core of Engineering Sailing Club , Tamil Nadu Sailing Association , Goa Yachting Association , National Defence Academy  and National Sailing School , Bhopal. It will also be the first time in history of Senior National where three new Olympic class boats namely Windfoiling , NACRA 17 and Kite boarding will be introduced. The other classes of boats that would be racing are Laser , 470 , 49er, 49erFX and RS:X.PRO Defence-SC/DR
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Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to former Punjab CM, Shri Parkash Singh Badal
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to former Chief Minister of Punjab, Shri Parkash Singh Badal.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“Paid homage to Shri Parkash Singh Badal Ji.”
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri holds 4th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with Minister of Armed Forces of France in New Delhi
Discusses ways to bolster defence industrial cooperation with focus on ‘Make in India’
Means to strengthen maritime cooperation & increase scope & complexity of bilateral exercises also deliberated upon
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held the 4th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with Minister of Armed Forces of the French Republic Mr Sebastien Lecornu in New Delhi today. The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. A wide range of bilateral, regional, defence and defence industrial cooperation issues were discussed in the dialogue.
The Ministers reviewed the ongoing military-to-military cooperation which has increased substantially in the recent years. They discussed means to strengthen maritime cooperation and increase the scope and complexity of bilateral exercises. They noted with satisfaction that India and France recently held their bilateral Air Exercise ‘Garuda’ at Air Force Station, Jodhpur successfully.
During the dialogue, one of the key areas of discussion was defence industrial cooperation with a focus on ‘Make in India’. Future collaborations and potential co-production opportunities were discussed. The Ministers agreed that the technical groups from both the countries should meet early next year and take the key cooperation issues forward.
The Ministers recognised their convergences on number of strategic & defence issues and shared the commitment to work together on enhancing cooperation in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. France is the current chair of Indian Ocean Commission  and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium  and both countries cooperate closely in these fora.
As part of his visit to India, Mr Sebastien Lecornu yesterday made a day-long trip to Headquarters, Southern Naval Command and visited India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The French Minister of Armed Forces stated that he was highly impressed with INS Vikrant. France is one of India's most trusted strategic partners and both countries look forward to celebrating 25 years of their strategic partnership in 2023.
Prime Minister's Office
PM visits Pakaria Village in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today visited Pakaria Village in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.
In Pakaria village, the Prime Minister interacted with tribal leaders, PESA committe members, Lakhpati didis from SHGs and football players.
https://www.youtube.com/live/x3Ve07fCrsk?feature=share
https://www.youtube.com/live/ifXlfF3HpcI?feature=share
Ministry of Home Affairs
President’s Medals to Fire Service, Home Guards and Civil Defence personnel on Independence Day, 2019
56 personnel have been awarded Fire Service Medals on the occasion of the Independence Day this year. Of these, President’s Fire Service Medal for Gallantry have been awarded to 01 personnel, President’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service to 08 personnel and Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service to 47 personnel.
44 personnel have also been awarded Home Guard & Civil Defence Medals on the occasion of the Independence Day this year. Of these, President’s HG & CD Medal for Distinguished Service have been awarded to 08 personnel and Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service to 36 personnel.
The list of Fire Service Medals and Home Guards & Civil Defence Medals awardees are enclosed as Annexure.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of theatre legend Ebrahim Alkazi
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of theatre legend Ebrahim Alkazi.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Shri Ebrahim Alkazi will be remembered for his efforts to make theatre more popular and accessible across India. His contributions to the world of art and culture are noteworthy too. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace."
President's Secretariat
Chancellor of Germany calls on the President
Dr Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany called on the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Welcoming German Chancellor to India, the President said that given India’s strong commercial ties with Germany, India considers Germany’s support important in mobilizing efforts within the European Union for early resumption and conclusion of a balanced EU-India Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement. This will not only send a strong positive signal to business communities on both sides but will also boost India-Germany bilateral trade and technology collaboration.
The President said that India-Germany global partnership is progressing well. We should work together to strengthen multilateralism and a multi-polar world order. India and Germany are rightful claimants to a permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council. In this regard, our cooperation as part of G-4 is important.
The President said that terrorism is a global threat that must be fought jointly by the world community and terrorist safe havens eliminated in every part of the world. India and Germany need to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism as well as coordinate their positions at the Financial Action Task Force meetings.